Letters to the Editor

Issue 1 a necessary update to age law

Ohio voters will decide whether the mandatory age of retirement for judges should be changed from 70 to 75 ("Yes on Issue 1," editorial, Oct. 17).

I have been asked by several constituents why this change is needed and why I voted to place this question before voters.

Today, people are living longer and often working into their 70s. Ohio law doesn't recognize this fact for judges, who are the only elected officials with a mandatory retirement age. If we are going to impose retirement by law, we must ensure that the age limit is appropriate.

One of the criticisms the Ohio General Assembly heard was that by allowing judges to serve past 70, we are not allowing "new blood" to come onto Ohio's judicial benches to provide a fresh perspective on the law. No prohibitions in Issue 1 will prevent a younger candidate from running for any judicial position in the state.

If individuals want to run for a judgeship, all they have to do is file a petition and meet the necessary qualifications. They will have the opportunity to show Ohio's voters why they are the better candidate. The right to run for a judicial office is not taken away by raising Ohio's judicial age of retirement.

Changing the retirement age does not guarantee that a judge automatically will continue his or her career against the will of the people. Ohio voters always will have the final say on whether a judge deserves another term.

With people living and working longer, it only makes sense that we update our laws on Ohio judges and allow experienced and dedicated individuals to have the opportunity to serve the people of this state.

Barbara Sears

Ohio House of Representatives 46th District Monclova Township

Make way for youth? No way

The Oct. 19 Readers' Forum letter "Seniors, make way for youth" urged a no vote on Issue 1. I am 65 years old, draw Social Security and a teacher's pension, and work full-time because I choose to do so.

It's my right, and I plan to continue until death or incapacitation.

No one stepped aside for me when I was young and seeking work. I was born long before today's youthful job seekers, and therefore have seniority rights on this Earth.

I urge today's fledgling job seekers to drop the instant-gratification mentality and to show some patience. All good things come to those who wait.

Chuck Gast

Sylvania Township

Showcasing circus anti-animal stand

As one of your readers who is amazed by The Blade's fixation with dogs, I continue to be flabbergasted by your lack of regard for the welfare of other animals. How could you showcase a circus if you care at all about animals ("Elephant walk heralds circus' arrival," Oct. 25)?

Circus life is horribly cruel and demeaning for the wonderful creatures that are enslaved and forced to perform meaningless, unnatural, and physically uncomfortable tricks because of fear of punishment and deprivation.

In the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, elephants are beaten, hit, poked, prodded, and jabbed with bull hooks, sometimes until they are bloody. Trainers use whips, tight collars, muzzles, electric prods, and other painful tools of the trade to force animals to perform.

Every circus ticket that is purchased supports this cruelty. Instead of free advertising, how about an expose?

Tere Kaulfus

Ottawa Hills

Aid to Libya should be kept in the U.S.

I was upset by the picture of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at the bedside of a person in Libya, but more upset by the caption that said she brought with her an offer of $11 million more in aid ("Clinton declares U.S. wants Gadhafi dead or captured," Oct. 19).

Where is this money coming from? We are so deep in debt that it will take generations to pay for it. We need this money in the United States.

Let's stop helping everyone outside our country and help those who need it here. Charity begins at home.

Virginia Long

Fostoria

QR codes leave many in the dark

The Blade is alienating people with your use of Quick Response codes. Most Toledo residents do not have smart phones and cannot get access to the information you choose not to print.

And you wonder why people are canceling the paper.

William McCallister

Canada-Southern Avenue

Architects urge saving Seneca courthouse

The American Institute of Architects, Toledo Chapter, applauds your position on the preservation of the Seneca County Courthouse ("Mr. Nutter's choice," editorial, Oct. 15).

We too believe that preserving our past is critical to a better future for us, our children, and our grandchildren.

Future generations are affected by our current actions. It would be a disgrace for our children to point to a patch of asphalt in the future and be able to say only that once a great courthouse stood there.

The State of Ohio has not lost a historic county courthouse since 1970, due largely to increased public awareness of the benefits of historic preservation.

The Seneca County commissioners set forth criteria by which the statuesque lady of Seneca County could be saved. The criteria were met, after incredible public-private partnerships were formed.

Preserving our historic legacy not only is our moral obligation to the future, but also can support the local economy and increase property values. Jobs are created in the construction, manufacturing, transportation, utility, retail, and service economies as a result of preservation.

The courthouse is an amazing structure, designed by Elijah Myers, the same architect who designed the Michigan State Capitol and the Colorado State Capitol.

President American Institute of Architects Toledo Chapter Woodruff Avenue

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